Hakuunsai ivory netsuke of Oni no Nenbutsu and a falconer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid-19th century, Edo period
This finely carved ivory netsuke, created by the artist Hakuunsai during the mid-19th century Edo period, depicts a complex, unusual grouping of two figures inspired by traditional Otsu-e folk paintings.
The composition features a seated falconer, or takajo, holding a folded fan while a falcon perches upon his gloved fist. Standing behind him is the repentant demon known as Oni no Nenbutsu, humorously dressed as a mendicant priest. The oni holds a gong striker and a subscription list, and his expression is notably comical. The robes of the figures are intricately detailed with engraved floral and geometric patterns, highlighted by the use of dark staining to add depth and visual contrast.
Standing 4.2 cm in height, the piece includes a functional himotoshi on the reverse side. The signature of the carver, Hakuunsai, is prominently inscribed on the subscription list held by the demon figure.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Height
- 4.2 cm
- Material
- ivory
Technical characteristics
- Feature
- himotoshi
- Signature
- Hakuunsai
Design
- Subjects
- Oni no Nenbutsu and takajo (falconer)
- Decoration
- floral and geometric engraved patterns
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Hakuunsai
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.